under a cloud

1. Under suspicion, in trouble, or out of favor, as in Ever since his brother was accused of fraud, he's been under a cloud. This metaphoric expression calls up the image of a single black cloud hanging over an individual. [c. 1500]

Example Sentences

Two China hands are under a cloud, perhaps permanently and perhaps undeservedly.

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"The deal might work on paper - but in practice, it will always sit under a cloud," Ms Jaidka said.

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And this time they have dropped into the Championship under a cloud of uncertainty, the threat of a points penalty hanging over the club for allegedly breaching spending rules when they were promoted from the division as title winners just over a year ago.

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The other, in Florida's panhandle region, will determine a replacement for Matt Gaetz, the firebrand congressman Trump originally picked to be attorney general before he withdrew under a cloud of sexual misconduct and ethics allegations.

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While his attorneys were able to extend the 60-day order many times, Lennon lived under a cloud while the appeals moved forward.

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Related Words

• dusky 
• leafy 
• screened www.thesaurus.com
• sheltered